What's Going On is an album by American
soul singer
Marvin Gaye. Released on
20 May 1971 (see
1971 in music),
What's Going On reflected the beginning of a new trend in soul music. With introspective lyrics about
drug abuse,
poverty and the
Vietnam War, the album was an immediate sensation and has endured as a classic of early-70s soul.
Gaye had recorded the single "What's Going On" already, and wanted to release it. Motown head Barry Gordy[?] had refused, however, calling the single "uncommercial". Gaye refused to record any more until Gordy gave in, and the song became a surprise hit in January of 1971.
What's Going On is a unified album, consisting of songs from the point-of-view of a Vietnam War veteran returning to the country he had been fighting for, and seeing nothing but injustice, suffering and hatred. Gaye's brother, Frankie, had returned from a three-year stint in the Army in 1970.
Track listing
- What's Going On (Benson/Cleveland/Gaye) - 3:52
- What's Happening Brother (Gaye/Nyx) - 2:44
- Flyin' High (In the Friendly Sky) (Gaye/Gaye/Stover) - 3:49
- Save the Children (Benson/Cleveland/Gaye) - 4:03
- God Is Love (Gaye/Gaye/Nyx/Stover) - 1:41
- Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) (Gaye) - 3:13
- Right On (Derouen/Gaye) - 7:31
- Wholy Holy (Benson/Cleveland/Gaye) - 3:08
- Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) (Gaye/Nyx) - 5:26
Personnel
- Marvin Gaye - Piano, Drums, Keyboards, Vocals, Producer
- Bob Babbitt - Bass
- Eli Fountain - Sax (Alto)
- James Jamerson - Bass
- Joe Messina - Guitar
- David Van De Pitte - Arranger, Conductor
- Earl Van Dyke - Guitar
- Wild Bill Moore - Sax (Tenor)
- Chet Forest - Drums
- Katherine Marking - Design
- Alana Coghlan - Design
- John Matousek - Mastering
- Robert White - Guitar
- Hendin - Photography
- Curtis McNair - Art Direction
Chart positions
Billboard Music Charts (North America) - albums
1971 What's Going On Pop Albums No. 6
1971 What's Going On Black Albums No. 1
1984 What s Going On The Billboard 200 No. 154
Billboard Music Charts (North America) - singles
1971 Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) Pop Singles No. 9
1971 Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) Black Singles No. 1
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